South Africa to Produce Electric Land Rover

May 12 2011

Eco-conscious car finance buyers might not soon be able to see it on showroom floors, but they will no doubt still be pleased to hear that Land Rover South Africa in partnership with Axeon will soon start producing an electric version of the Land Rover Defender.

One benefit of the new model that has already become clear is that it allows rangers to get closer to wildlife because it runs so quietly.  The EV has undergone rigorous tests to ensure it is capable of transporting tourists in nature reserves.

The new Land Rover has also already proved it is able to cope with the adverse weather conditions often encountered in the wild.

Axeon fitted their 28.8kWh lithium ion battery system to a standard Land Rover Defender 110 High Capacity Pick Up.  It replaced the vehicle’s standard 2.4litre diesel motor.  Because of the rugged terrain, Axeon decided not to fit the battery system under the floor, but in the engine compartment.  This ensured that the battery would not interfere with ground clearance, which is vital in off-road conditions.

The Axeon battery system incorporates the company’s trade mark Battery Management System, which continuously monitors the state of the battery and controls important operational parameters – things that are crucial in a vehicle that often encounters situations where mobility is of the utmost importance.

Those car finance buyers who would like to see the electric Defender in action will either have to visit a South African game park or wait a bit longer.  The technology is expected to be used extensively in vehicles where noise and environmental emissions are highly important issues.

Author - Louise Hutchinson
 

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